Two-story ryokan entrance with tiled steps, large windows and garden shrubs at Kounso in Yamanashi, Chūbu
Warm twin room with beds, sofa, coffee table, TV and large curtained window at Kounso in Yamanashi
Stone-walled indoor bath with wooden-lined tub, wall-mounted showers and window at Kounso ryokan, Yamanashi
Tatami room with low table, shoji screens and window seating at Kounso in Yamanashi, Chūbu
Bright dining area with wooden tables and chairs and large windows overlooking garden at Kounso ryokan in Yamanashi
Stepping stone garden path with pink flowering shrubs and green lawn beside Kounso ryokan building in Yamanashi
Upper mezzanine corridor with wooden railing and pendant lights, Kounso ryokan, Yamanashi Chūbu region
Tatami room with low table, cushions, sink and sliding screens at Kounso, Yamanashi

Kounso

8.8
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 8.8/10, based on 79 reviews. ? Our score combines two signals: 50% based on traveler sentiment and guest feedback found online, and 50% based on our internal on-site evaluation plus ratings from verified travelers on our platform, who must provide proof of stay.
? This ranking compares properties in the same region. It is based on the overall rating and the number of reviews, using a weighted score so properties with more review data are ranked more fairly.
Check-in from 3:00 PM / Check-out until 10:00 AM
Lake Views Countryside Escape Garden Setting Hot Spring Town Public Onsen Indoor Bath
Staff 9,0/10
Facilities 8,6/10
Cleanliness 9,0/10
Comfort 8,8/10
Value for money 8,5/10
Location 8,8/10

Ryokan highlights

A small traditional ryokan by Lake Yamanaka with easy sightseeing access and warm, well-rated hospitality.

Lakefront AreaBy Lake Yamanaka and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for easy lakeside walks.
Near Local DiningSeveral eateries are within a short walk, making meals convenient without driving.
Warm HospitalityGuest reviews consistently praise the staff and welcoming personal service.
Small Ryokan FeelJust a handful of rooms gives the stay a quieter, more intimate atmosphere.
Good Sightseeing BaseConvenient for Lake Yamanaka, Kirara, Oshino Hakkai, and wider Fuji area outings.
Strong Value ReviewsReviews highlight solid comfort, cleanliness, and value for the price.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1 nightLakefront access is the main driver here: arrive in the afternoon, walk to Lake Yamanaka, use the indoor bath, sleep in a tatami room, then continue after breakfast to Oshino or Kawaguchiko. A second night only makes sense if you want a slower lake stay or have a car.
Trip-planning verdict: Best as a simple 1-night Lake Yamanaka stop for drivers or relaxed Fuji-area travelers, not a destination ryokan or long sightseeing base.

Know before booking

Not an onsenThis property has indoor baths but verified listings indicate it is not a hot spring ryokan.
Small-scale stayIt appears to be a simple 7-room inn, so expect modest facilities rather than resort-style amenities.
Public transport limitsBus access is workable near the village office, but regional sightseeing is easier by car than by rail.

Food & drinks

Kounso Yamanakako appears to offer BBQ on request, while most regular meals are taken at nearby restaurants around Lake Yamanaka.

BBQ (on-site)
on-site

On-site BBQ can be arranged on request.

  • BBQ setfoodGrilled meal by arrangement.
  • Meat and vegetablesfoodTypical BBQ staples.
  • Group dinnerspecialtyUseful for casual evening meals.
Nagomi (nearby)
nearbyabout 1 km

Nearby Japanese restaurant known for kaiseki-style meals and local sake.

  • Kaiseki mealfoodMulti-course Japanese dinner.
  • SukiyakifoodHot pot with sliced beef.
  • Shabu-shabufoodLight hot pot meal.
  • Local sakedrinkRegional Japanese rice wine.
Kosaku Hoto (nearby)
nearbyvery close

Popular local spot for Yamanashi hoto noodle hot pot.

  • Pumpkin hotofoodClassic Yamanashi noodle stew.
  • Spicy hotofoodHotter version of the local specialty.
  • Seasonal oyster hotofoodSeasonal rich hoto option.

Access, transport and nearby sights

Kounso is a lakeside-area ryokan in Yamanakako best reached by highway bus or bus-plus-taxi via the Lake Yamanaka / Fujisan Yamanakako area rather than by walking from a rail station.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Should you choose this ryokan?

A simple lakeside stay in Yamanakako with a more local, old-school feel than a polished luxury ryokan. It suits travelers who want value, Japanese-style rooms, and easy access to Lake Yamanaka, but not those expecting upscale facilities or full-service hospitality.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Steps from Lake YamanakaThe property sits right by Lake Yamanaka, so the setting feels calm and outdoorsy from the moment you arrive. It is a strong base for lake walks, cycling, and exploring the Fuji area without needing a resort budget.
  • Traditional room optionKounso offers Japanese-style rooms with futons, which gives the stay a more classic local feel than a standard business hotel. This is especially appealing if you want a simple tatami-style experience in Yamanakako.
  • Useful for small groupsOne Japanese-style room accommodates up to five guests, which is practical for families or friends traveling together. That makes it easier to stay in one room instead of splitting across multiple bookings.
  • Handy extras for self-drive tripsFree parking, free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and bike rental add real convenience for road trips around the Fuji Five Lakes area. These features make the stay easier for active travelers planning multiple stops.
  • Better value than full resortsCompared with larger onsen hotels around Yamanakako, Kounso is the kind of property that can work well if you want a quieter, lower-cost base. You still get comforts like air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and a spring-water bathtub in rooms.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Not a luxury ryokanThis is a modest guesthouse-style stay rather than a refined high-end ryokan with elaborate service and atmosphere. Travelers expecting polished interiors, kaiseki dining, or a premium onsen experience may feel underwhelmed.
  • Some rooms use shared facilitiesAt least some room categories come with shared shower or shared bathroom arrangements. That can be inconvenient if privacy and a fully self-contained room matter to you.
  • Limited front desk hoursThe front desk operates only during limited hours, with check-in ending at night rather than around the clock. This can be awkward if you are arriving late after trains, traffic, or sightseeing delays.
  • Older-style property feelThe overall experience appears more practical than modern, with an older setup rather than fresh designer finishes. If you are sensitive to dated interiors, the charm may not outweigh the lack of polish.
  • Less convenient without a carThe location is great for the lake, but the area is better suited to travelers driving around Yamanakako and the wider Fuji region. If you rely fully on public transport, the stay may feel less effortless than being near a major station.

Ranking around this ryokan in Yamanashi

Showing 5 above and 5 below the current ryokan. The full ranking loads only when you click or hover over this block.

Current position: 27th out of 68 ryokans in Yamanashi.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
22nd Oike Hotel 8.8/10 1,745
23rd Hotel Koryu 8.8/10 1,016
24th Maruei 8.9/10 69
25th Ashiwada Hotel 8.8/10 335
26th Pension Marieペンションマリエ 8.8/10 311
27th Kounso Current ryokan 8.8/10 79
28th Lakeland Hotel Mizunosato 8.7/10 2,322
29th SAKURA inn 白米 9.1/10 11
30th Glamping Village Fuji Kawaguchiko 8.8/10 28
31st Ichifujiso 8.6/10 595
32nd Akaishi Ryokan 8.5/10 712
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